Famciclovir 500 mg Tablet (Generic for Famvir - Acute/Outbreak)

COMMON USES: This medicine is an antiviral used for treating herpes zoster infection (shingles). It is also used to treat recurring herpes skin infections in patients who also have HIV infection. This medicine is used to treat recurring cold sores and to treat or suppress recurring genital herpes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all over-the-counter medicine you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking probenecid. Tell your doctor if you take any other medicines or products to treat herpes outbreaks. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney or liver problems, immune system problems, certain rare hereditary problems (galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption), allergies, pregnancy or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. AN ADDITIONAL PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. IF YOU ARE TREATING GENITAL HERPES OR COLD SORES, start using this medicine at the first sign of an outbreak or cold sore as directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU ARE TREATING SHINGLES, COLD SORES, GENITAL HERPES OR HERPES SKIN INFECTION, take this medicine for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days. IF YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE TO SUPPRESS genital herpes, continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next does, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness dizziness or confusion. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, along with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE EFFECTS, do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks while taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A CURE for cold sores or genital herpes. GENITAL HERPES PATIENTS: This medicine will not prevent the spread of the herpes virus to others. To decrease the chance of infecting your partner, do not have sexual intercourse when sores are present. It may also be possible to spread the virus even if you do not currently have signs or symptoms of herpes. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially delirium, disorientation and confusion. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST FEEDING while you use this medicine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, gas, headache, nausea, tiredness or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience changes in the amount of urine produces; confusion; delirium; disorientation; hallucinations; red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call you doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If your symptoms do not improve or they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warning, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.